First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image

Another in the great series of changing exhibits at the National Constitution Center has opened. Following on the heels of the superb Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives exhibition which closed in September comes an equally involving exhibition from the Smithsonian entitled First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image.

From now through December 31, First Ladies will present artifacts from one of the Smithsonian's most visited permanent exhibitions, the first ladies collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Behring Center. The National Constitution Center is the last stop on the exhibit's nationwide tour.

About the Exhibit

The exhibition features more than two centuries of elegant inaugural and evening gowns, clothing and jewelry, White House furnishings and china, photographs and portraits, and campaign and personal memorabilia.

It examines the demanding duties of the presidential partner and national hostess, explores how her role has evolved from ceremonial colleague to one of international celebrity and recognized political power, and illustrates the importance of the first lady's public image to the success of a presidential administration.

Highlights of the Exhibit

The exhibition is comprised of more than 150 objects organized into four sections that reveal the historical roles of the first lady: Inventing the Role, Political Role, Public Image, and Life After the White House. Highlights of the exhibit include:

• Martha Washington's amber necklace
• Mary Todd Lincoln's monogrammed silver tea and coffee service
• Florence Harding's "I cast my first vote" badge
• Eleanor Roosevelt's gown from the 1945 inaugural reception
• Jacqueline Kennedy's brocade silk evening dress and matching jacket
• Betty Ford's campaign button and ERA buttons
• Rosalynn Carter's beaded crown, given by the Amorie Village on a Carter Center trip to Nigeria
• Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" board game
• Hillary Rodham Clinton's signature black pants suit from her Senate campaign
• Laura Bush's white suit worn for the 2005 Inauguration

Four audiovisual stations and one radio address kiosk provide further background and give a voice to the women who served in this national role. A&E produced the video components, as well as an online educator's guide.

Women of Power - A Daily Interactive Program

In addition, the Center presents Women of Power, a daily interactive program inside the First Ladies exhibit. National Constitution Center demonstrators will teach guests about the role of first ladies in society and critical moments in history that have impacted women's rights.

Special Programs, Activities and Resource Materials

As has become standard with this ongoing series of exhibits at the National Constitution Center, the Center's education and public programming staff in the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach has developed a variety of resource materials, family activities and special programs - including a variety of evening programs discussing current and historical topics that relate to the exhibition.

You can view a calendar of these related events as part of our National Constitution Center Events Calendar.

Exhibit of Kennedy Family Photographs

The Center is also hosting The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family Photographs by Richard Avedon through December 2, 2007. Acclaimed photographer Richard Avedon's never before displayed photographs of John and Jacqueline Kennedy and their two children combine politics, style, public interest, and photographic history to provide a compelling glimpse of two icons of American life.

The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family will be on display inside the Center's main exhibition, and is free with regular museum admission.

If You Go

Admission to First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors ages 65 and up, and $9 for children ages 4-12. Active military personnel and children ages 3 and under are free. Group rates are also available. Admission to the Center's main exhibition, The Story of We the People, including the award-winning theater production Freedom Rising, is included.

In addition,guests can purchase a special First Ladies audio tour, created by the National Constitution Center, for a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the presidential partner. The in-depth, 25 minute tour will examine the impact these remarkable women have had on the country, ranging from policy to fashion. The First Ladies audio tour costs $2 for members and $3 for non-members.

For ticket information, call 215-409-6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org. You can also read our review of the National Constitution Center.